Procurement, Racking & Automation Assistant manager

The procurement analyst will ensure that every dollar spent is spent professionally. This is achieved by reducing operating expenses and driving a value-based mindset by applying procurement capabilities and tools. The procurement function aims to attain a competitive vendor base to support Maersk’s Integrator strategy with an operational footprint that delivers strong service levels, at cost, on time.  

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for racking, conveyance, sortation, and warehouse automation systems. 

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and performance management. 

• Partner with engineering, operations, and logistics teams to understand project requirements and ensure optimal supplier solutions. 

• Identify and qualify key suppliers, negotiating contracts that drive cost savings, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation. 

• Drive supplier performance management, ensuring adherence to quality, delivery timelines, and service level agreements. 

• Collaborate with global procurement and category management teams to align sourcing strategies with corporate objectives. 

• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to support continuous improvement and innovation in warehouse automation. 

• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and sustainability initiatives in procurement activities. 

• Execute end-to-end strategic sourcing projects across a wide range of procurement areas including but not limited racking and automation.  This includes activities from developing ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ models to understanding cost structures to building the ideal negotiation strategy and execute accordingly. 

• Integrating and centralizing procurement activity within the racking and automation category for 140+ locations within North America.

• Perform supplier market analysis and organize market intelligence for all Energy & Systems spend across North America and benchmark Maersk costs with competition to ensure we are cost competitive. 

• Support Maersk’s Sustainability Goals by partnering with suppliers and vendors on decarbonization initiatives wherever and whenever possible.

• Develop and execute complex and large capex negotiations and establish Service Level Agreements with all key supplier

• Cooperating closely with colleagues and stakeholders in North America and within Maersk with Product Teams including, Operations, Finance, Commercial and other regions in Maersk.

• Contribute to the development of procurement frameworks and processes and assure all supplier and vendor partners conduct business per the Maersk Responsible Procurement Clause. 

• Deliver procurement benefits (realized savings, service level improvements, etc.) and make sure these are realized through measurement and follow-up.  

• Responsible for reusing any surplus racking or automation we have on hand before spending new capital. 

• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent work experience (MBA, or similar, is a plus).

• 3+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with a focus on warehouse automation, storage solutions, and material handling equipment. 

• Strong knowledge of racking systems, conveyor systems, automated sortation, and warehouse robotics. 

• Proven experience negotiating and managing contracts with small and large-scale suppliers. 

• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and logistics teams. 

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. 

• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, cost modeling, and supplier performance management. 

• Experience with procurement tools (Keelvar or similar platforms)

• Entrepreneurial spirit and operational agility are a must.

• Proven ability to learn quickly and have a growth mindset.

• Complex negotiation skills and an understanding of responsible procurement practices.